Monkswort: A Color-Changing Annual Worth Knowing
If you’re looking for a unique little annual that puts on a color show throughout its blooming season, monkswort (Nonea versicolor) might catch your eye. This charming forb offers an interesting twist on the typical garden annual with its color-changing flowers that shift from blue to purple as they mature.
What Is Monkswort?
Monkswort is an annual forb, meaning it’s a non-woody plant that completes its entire life cycle in one growing season. As a member of the borage family, it shares characteristics with other familiar plants like forget-me-nots, though it has its own distinct personality in the garden.
The plant gets its species name versicolor from its remarkable ability to change flower colors as blooms age, creating a lovely multicolored display on a single plant. It’s a low-growing annual that forms neat clumps covered in small, tubular flowers.
Native Status and Distribution
It’s important to note that monkswort is not native to North America. Originally from Europe and western Asia, this plant has established itself in Quebec, Canada, where it now reproduces spontaneously in the wild. While it’s considered non-native, it hasn’t been classified as invasive or noxious in the regions where it’s found.
Why Consider (or Skip) Monkswort in Your Garden
There are several reasons you might find monkswort appealing for your garden:
- Unique color-changing flowers provide extended visual interest
- Low-maintenance annual perfect for busy gardeners
- Attracts small pollinators like bees and butterflies
- Self-seeds readily for natural succession
- Tolerates poor soils where other plants might struggle
However, as a non-native species, you might prefer to choose native alternatives that provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems. Native annuals like wild bergamot or native asters can offer comparable beauty while better serving local wildlife.
Growing Conditions and Care
Monkswort is refreshingly easy to grow, making it suitable for beginning gardeners or anyone who appreciates low-maintenance plants:
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained soils; tolerates poor conditions
- Water: Moderate water needs; drought-tolerant once established
- Maintenance: Minimal care required
Garden Role and Design Uses
This compact annual works well in several garden settings:
- Rock gardens where its low profile won’t overwhelm other plants
- Cottage garden borders for a casual, naturalized look
- Wildflower meadows or naturalized areas
- Gap filler in perennial beds
- Container gardens for seasonal color
Planting and Care Tips
Growing monkswort successfully is straightforward:
- Direct sow seeds in spring after the last frost
- Barely cover seeds as they need light to germinate
- Space plants about 6-8 inches apart
- Water regularly until established, then reduce frequency
- Allow some plants to go to seed for natural reseeding
- Deadhead spent flowers if you want to prevent self-seeding
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
While monkswort does provide some benefits to local wildlife by attracting small pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers, native plants will typically offer more comprehensive support to your local ecosystem. The small tubular flowers are particularly attractive to small bees and butterflies during the blooming season.
The Bottom Line
Monkswort can be an interesting addition to gardens where you want easy-care annual color with a unique twist. Its color-changing flowers and self-seeding nature make it a conversation starter that requires minimal effort from the gardener. However, if you’re focused on supporting native ecosystems, consider exploring native annual alternatives that can provide similar garden benefits while better serving local wildlife populations.
Whether you choose to grow monkswort or opt for native alternatives, the key is selecting plants that match both your garden goals and your local growing conditions.
